Abstract

The following study will elucídate the role of curiosity in the thinking of Augustine. At first, he sees it as a problem, as this element has misled the first human beings to sin. The serpent in paradise has misused the woman’s curiosity, resulting in her blindness towards God's commandment. Hence, curiosity arouse desire and desire gave birth to sin. On the other hand, Augustine thought, curiosity can be a help for human beings, as it attracts catechumens towards baptism. Augustine, here, refers to the disciplina arcani and repeatedly hints at the curiosity of catechumens in his homilies. Especially their ignorance makes them curious to undergo baptism. This interplay is real masterpiece of Augustine: the very same curiosity that leads humans to sin also makes them search and find salvation.